Louisiana Democrat Cedric L. Richmond learned how to play America’s pastime at the age of five in Little League. He went on to play in high school, in college for Morehouse, and then at Nationals Park.

And, according to longtime GOP manager Texas Rep. Joe L. Barton, he’s the best player to ever play in the Congressional Baseball Game. Thursday’s game could be anyone’s game as Democrats are going for their eighth win in a row while Republicans are working to break their team’s losing streak.